2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and additional lower body trim. It featured unique 20-inch alloy wheels and upgraded interior detailing, including a simulated suede headliner. The only other exterior change for 2021 was the addition of standard LED headlights for models that previously lacked them. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim gave the Palisade a more luxurious appearance, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the cabin was adorned with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, making it appear more expensive than its actual price, offering a genuine bargain in the midsize three-row SUV class.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a celestial touch to the cabin. The Navigator also introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display, enhancing its technological appeal. The SUV maintained its luxurious feel with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, ensuring comfort for all occupants.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade achieved a fuel efficiency of 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, as predicted by Natural Resources Canada. Its firmer suspension tuning provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without sacrificing comfort. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The SUV introduced Road Preview, an adaptive-damping suspension feature that prepared for road imperfections. Despite its heavy 22-inch wheels, the Navigator handled rough terrain with ease. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator's fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with an observed average of 12.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class, with easy access. The Palisade provided ample in-cabin storage, including a storage tray under the centre console. Cargo space measured 509 litres behind the third-row seats, expanding to 1,297 litres with them folded down, and 2,447 litres with the second-row seats collapsed. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator boasted exceptionally comfortable front seats with 30-way power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, benefiting from the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator provided generous storage and cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,627 litres with it folded down, and 2,925 litres with the second-row seats collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured two infotainment systems, with 8-inch and 10.25-inch touchscreen displays. Both systems allowed pairing of two smartphones via Bluetooth, but only the 8-inch setup offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Other tech features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a Quiet Mode. A head-up display and surround-view camera system were also available.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. It supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with user-friendly controls and a voice recognition system. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality. The Navigator's technology suite was further enhanced by over-the-air update capability.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems. A rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist added to its safety credentials. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, providing peace of mind for families.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide offered semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. These systems represented steps toward fully autonomous driving, enhancing the Navigator's safety features.